Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Happy Birthday to me

In case anyone thinks that I am too often negative about my experiences with my mother, I feel compelled to document a really good day with her.  On June 3rd I became eligible for Medicare!
 ( Oh, my G-d... how did that happen?).  My brother and I met for lunch and then went to visit Mom.
She was so happy to see us!  She was brought to tears of joy and told us how happy she is when we are both there with her, together.  She asked each of us how we were spending the rest of the day.  I told her, first, that it was my birthday and she wanted to know how old I am.  This is what followed:
Mom:  How the hell old are you now?
Me: I'm 65
Mom: Holy Shit... how did that happen?  I must be a really old bag if you're 65!  You really don't look it at all.
                      ( Have I told you how much I really love this woman???)
Mom:  If you're 65, then how old can I be?
Me: Well, you're 90
Mom: Oh G-d!  I really am an old bag.  I guess I'm doing okay-- so many people my age either aren't here at all, or they're in really bad shape--not able to walk or feed themselves or know where they are.

Later on, she asked my brother how old he is and how he was spending the day.  He explained that he spent the time with his sister--went out for lunch and  that it was nice to spend my birthday with me.
This followed:
Mom: So how old are you?
Brother: I'm going to be 62 in October
Mom: Holy cow!  My baby is almost 62?!  Time really does have a way of going, doesn't it? I'm really an old bag aren't I?

The rest of our visit was spent with the usual repetitions of questions about our families and the weather. She was very emotional and teary when we needed to leave, but at least we managed to leave without a scene or anger.
My birthday was really a good day.  Mom was at the top of her game--funny, engaging and able to converse.  My brother and I left there feeling happy to have shared those precious moments with her, and with each other.  Those moments are fleeting as the days and years fly by, so we will hold on to them with both fists.
Thanks, for helping to make my birthday a really good day.